Live and let fly: Pakistan fears India’s new giant flag could be used for spying

Pakistan has expressed fears that neighboring India’s new 360 foot (110 meter) high flag, which can be seen all the way from Lahore, could be used to as a spying mechanism.

India erected the flag in Attari, just 200 meters from the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab in northern India on Sunday. The flag is 80 feet wide and 120 feet long. Floodlights have been set up so that it remains visible at night.

However, Pakistan Rangers complained to the Border Security Force that the flagpole could be used for surveillance, the Khaleej Times reports.

India's tallest flag has been hoisted at Attari Wagah border at 360 feet ... can be seen from Lahore, Pakistan as well !!!!!!!!!!!

Pakistan has reportedly accused India of violating international treaties and asked for the flag to be moved so that it is no longer visible from Lahore.

Indian authorities said the flag had been raised 200 meters from the zero line and was not violating any treaties. “It is our national flag and nobody can stop us from hoisting it on our soil," Punjab minister Anil Joshi, who helped organize the project, said.

“This is the right place to [locate] this project as thousands of people come here every day,” he told the Hindustan Times. “This will inculcate a feeling of patriotism in their minds.”

India and Pakistan increased decades-long tensions in September, after two Pakistani soldiers were killed when India conducted targeted strikes within Pakistan’s territory in Kashmir.

The strikes took place after 18 Indian soldiers were killed in an attack on an Indian army base in India-administered Kashmir. India and Pakistan lay claim to Kashmir, with each side controlling areas within.